Bruce Springsteen has always been a master at mythologizing his own story, and his latest film “Road Diary” is no exception: It’s a tribute to the E Street Band’s 50-year history and their decades of touring, his 60-year friendship with guitarist Steve Van Zandt (who makes a crack about finally officially being named the E Street Band’s musical director after 40 years), the familial bonds between the bandmates, the crew and his longtime manager Jon Landau, and other sentiments that are well familiar to fans and get a thorough and moving presentation in the Thom Zimny-directed film, an artfully executed documentary of the band’s 2023 tour of North America and Europe.
Exploring the Themes of “Road Diary”
Those themes were aired at length at a Q&A sessions following that followed the New York screening of the film at the Museum of Modern Art on Tuesday night, Springsteen, Van Zandt, Landau and Zimny, but the most revealing moment came when moderator Jon Sykes of iHeartMedia asked him why the film prominently spotlights a quote from a Jim Morrison poem:
Reflecting on Art and Life
“O great creator of being
Grant us one more hour to perform our art
and perfect our lives”
What Springsteen said about the quote itself was less interesting than the story that came with it, which involves a Doors concert in Asbury Park, New Jersey on August 30, 1968 that was attended by Springsteen, his wife Patti Scialfa and longtime E Street Band bassist Gary Tallent, but before any of them had met.
A Nostalgic Connection
“Patti and I were at the same Doors concert in 1968 at Convention Hall in Asbury Park, New Jersey,” Springsteen explained. “I think Gary Tallent was there too. It was an incredible show, and [he and Patti] did a funny thing three months ago — we went to bed early and said, ‘OK, let’s remake the Doors concert.’ So we went online and found the exact set that they played in Asbury Park in 1968, and put it all together and got in bed and listened to the Doors, 50 years later.” Springsteen and Scialfa have been together for around 40 years and married in 1991 — and as far as portraits of a marriage go, that one is pretty awesome.
Embracing the Past
After awwws and cheers from the audience, he returned to the question. “So I got into a Doors thing for a while, and came across that quote and said ‘That’s really beautiful.’ I’m not sure how it ended up at the end of the picture, but it really says what we’re doing right now.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bruce Springsteen’s film “Road Diary” delves into the rich history and personal connections of the E Street Band, offering fans a glimpse into the band’s journey over the years. Through poignant moments and nostalgic reflections, the film captures the essence of art, life, and enduring friendships that have defined the band’s legacy.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the quote from Jim Morrison’s poem in the film?
A: The quote serves as a reflection on art and life, drawing a connection to a Doors concert attended by Bruce Springsteen, his wife Patti Scialfa, and E Street Band bassist Gary Tallent in 1968.
Q: How does Bruce Springsteen’s personal story intertwine with the themes of the film?
A: Springsteen’s personal experiences, including his long-standing friendship with Steve Van Zandt and his marriage to Patti Scialfa, add depth to the narrative of the E Street Band’s history and touring adventures.
Credit: variety.com
